Delhi’s air quality to improve further but remain within upper end of Poor category as curbs end
Even as Delhi’s air quality improved slightly on Tuesday, it is likely to remain within ‘Very poor’ or upper end of Poor till Wednesday (November 9).
According to System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) data, at an AQI of 321, the national capital continued gasping for fresh air.
The air quality will remain within the upper end of Poor category due to weak upper level wind flow, reduction in local emissions, and moderate dispersion of pollutants leading to dilution of near surface pollution, the SAFAR forecast mentioned.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO REOPEN TOMORROW
As the air quality improved in Delhi, the state government announced the reopening of schools on November 9 and lifted a few other restrictions, including curbs on the entry of trucks and small goods carrier vehicles into the national capital. Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that the ban on private demolition and construction work will continue.
However, schools have been asked to remove outdoor activities from their routines. The state government also brought back the work-from-home policy in offices.
The environment minister also said that the ‘Paryavaran Bus Service’, which includes 500 privately-run CNG buses, will keep operating.
ENSURE DEPLOYMENT OF ANTI-SMOG GUNS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES: CENTRAL PANEL
The Centre’s air quality panel has asked pollution control boards in Delhi-NCR to ensure the deployment of anti-smog guns at construction and demolition sites in view of poor air quality in Delhi, an official statement said on Monday. The Commission for Air Quality Management has also recommended other measures, such as the use of wind brokers, dust barrier screens, covering of construction material and its debris, and proper disposal of construction wastes, including transportation in covered vehicles, at these sites, it said.
The panel noted that these sites are a major and consistent source of air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
“At least one anti-smog gun is necessary for a total construction area between 5,000 to 10,000 square metre. Two anti-smog guns for area between 10,001 to 15,000 square metre.
“For construction area between 15,001 to 20,000 square metre, at least three anti-smog guns are necessary. At least four anti-smog guns should be deployed for a total construction area above 20,000 square metres,” the statement from CAQM said.
BAN ON BS III PETROL, BS IV DIESEL VEHICLES TO CONTINUE TILL NOV 13
Movement of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles in Delhi will remain banned till November 13, while trucks will be allowed to enter the national capital, according to officials. As the city’s air quality improved, the Delhi government on Monday also decided to reopen primary classes from November 9 and revoke the order that asked 50 per cent of its staff to work from home.
STUBBLE BURNING INCIDENTS IN PUNJAB CROSS 30k-MARK
Stubble burning is one of the major contributors to air pollution in north India. Farm fire incidents crossed the 30,000 mark in Punjab with the state witnessing 2,487 stubble-burning cases on Monday. With fresh crop residue burning incidents, the cumulative farm fire cases from September 15 to November 7, rose to 32,486, according to the Ludhiana-based Punjab Remote Sensing Centre data.
NOIDA, GURUGRAM CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE TO BREATHE EASY
At 354, Noida recorded a very poor AQI and lagged behind Delhi in improvement. Meanwhile, Gurugram recorded an overall AQI of 326, still requiring betterment.